Metal detecting can be a very rewarding hobby but it is a good idea to do some research before setting out to find hidden treasures. After buying the best metal detector, you need to look at where are the best places to go and whether you might need permission from a land owner or the right authority.
You should prepare for every trip by packing your best equipment, gear, pinpointers, coils and, most importantly, researching the areas you are going to hunt.
A good site for treasure hunting with a metal detector is one that has been used by people for a long time. These include beaches, parks, gardens and places where people once lived but are now abandoned.
There are many items that can be found with a metal detector such as coins, lost jewellery, and, if you are lucky, relics of old civilisations.
By the way, in the UK don’t need a licence to use a metal detector, but there are laws about their use. Using a metal detector is illegal on private land without permission from the owner. It is also illegal on a scheduled ancient monument or in an area of archaeological importance.
Here are the five best places to go metal detecting if you want to hunt like a pro.
Your own garden
If you have a garden, start by hunting there. You never know what has been on the land before or who might have left a small treasure behind. It is also a good place to practise metal detecting and has the advantage of being right next door to your own kitchen if you need to stop for a cup of tea!
Beaches
Despite being thoroughly detected previously, beaches are still always a really good location to go hunting. The fact that they are regularly and actively used by people for all kinds of activities is the reason that they become the hub for hunting. Thanks to tidal waves, there are always new treasures to discover on a beach.
Parks and local fields
Parks and fields in towns and cities will have been used for centuries by humans so there is a good chance of finding dropped treasures, or items just below the ground surface. You should ensure you are allowed to go detecting in these places, however.
Woodlands
A woodland is a great place to go metal detecting. Most forests are peaceful especially if you go early in the morning or later in the evening. You’ll avoid the noise and disturbance of other people, especially walkers, runner and cyclists around you. Choose places where other people are likely to have been before because they might have dropped items tat become your treasure.
Hiking trails
Hiking is not only great for the body and mind, but it can be for metal detecting, too. Anywhere really where people have been is usually a great spot to find things. Expect to find loose change, jewellery and, unfortunately, a lot of rubbish. You’ll need to sift through the rubbish but you never know what great gems you might find.
In the end, just be patient and consistent when you are metal detecting!
